Harkleroad Breaks Through Against Craybas

With the sun finally breaking through the overcast sky, American Ashley Harkleroad scored a 6-2, 6-3 win over compatriot Jill Crabas in a first-round Acura Classic match on the Grandstand.

It was Harkleroad’s first victory over Craybas in four career head-to-head meetings.

With some heavy hitting from the baseline, Harkleroad converted on five of ten break point opportunities during the match which lasted one-hour and nine minutes.

In the first set, Harlkeroad erased a 2-1 deficit and dropped only six points in winning five consecutive games to wrap up the first set.

Harkleroad continued to pressure Craybas from the baseline in the second set. At 3-3, Craybas double faulted twice and proceeded to lose an 18-point game to drop serve.

Despite throwing in a double fault, Harkleroad held serve to increase her lead to 5-3.
Serving to stay in the match, Craybas took a 15-0 lead, but lost the next four points to lose the match. 

• Harkleroad advances to a second round match against fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva.
• Harkleroad is ranked 93 in the world.
• Harkleroad is making her third career Acura Classic appearance.
• In 2003, Harkleroad reached the third round of the main draw at Roland Garros as well as girl’s singles final.
• Craybas is ranked 48 in the world.
• Craybas was playing in her sixth career Acura Classic.
• Craybas is a member of the United States Fed Cup Team.

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